A sculpture depicting St Eanswythe – the patron saint of Folkestone – has been restored.
The statue, which sits proudly near the entrance of the town’s much-loved Radnor Park, was damaged by vandals in June last year.
A replacement head was carved using a mould retained by the original artist. Unavoidable delays meant this took longer than expected.
Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets and Local Government Reorganisation, said: “This is now a perfect opportunity to appreciate the significance of Folkestone’s patron saint and the impact she had on our town.”
Saint Eanswythe was the granddaughter of King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha.
It is believed she founded Folkestone Priory – one of the first Christian communities for women in Britain – around the middle of the 7th century, having chosen the town as her retreat.
According to legend, Saint Eanswythe is also said to have miraculously diverted a spring and cause it to flow uphill into Folkestone.
Her relics were discovered in the 19th century and later identified in 2020. They are currently rested in the Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe.